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Council refers condo-conversion tenant-protection ordinance to committee after years of work
Summary
The council sent a proposed ordinance that would add relocation assistance, right of first refusal and other tenant protections during condominium conversions to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole.
The Salem City Council on Feb. 27 voted to refer a proposed ordinance addressing condominium conversions and tenant protections to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs, co-posted with the Committee of the Whole.
Councilors and public speakers described the proposal as the culmination of multi-year work to protect tenants from rapid conversions of multifamily buildings into condominiums. "This idea about home ownership in a place like Salem ... is lacking without some kind of protection," said Councilor Cohen during debate, urging support for measures such as right of first refusal and relocation assistance.
Supporters recalled a multi-year drafting process that began around 2020 and stressed the ordinance does not ban conversions but aims to give tenants more notice, relocation support and a path to ownership. Councilor Marcello and others said the ordinance provides breathing room and additional safeguards for tenants facing displacement.
Councilors also asked the administration to increase outreach if the measure advances, saying many renters do not know their rights. The motion to refer the ordinance to committee passed without a final substantive vote on the ordinance language at this meeting.
Next steps: committee hearings will allow additional public comment and potential edits before the ordinance returns to the full council.
